Have a good look at the course guide on the website - you'll get sent a copy aswell.

Basically starts out with a run to string out the field so there's less queueing later on. Can't remember how long it is, but it doesn't really matter because it's nothing like running on road. They send you straight through the middle of banks of nettles, through the middle of woods etc etc. Quick runners can gain a lot of places here.

Then you hit the hills - up and down and up and down the side of a 45 degree bank - you're lungs will be burning by the end of it - guaranteed! This is the part of the course where fitness makes the difference if you're looking for a top result, but everyone manages it just fine!

As for training, I'd recommend the runs you're doing now, maybe a bit of training on soft ground. A bit of upper body strength is very useful. Also some swimming in cold water is a good plan, and then getting used to run after that - my legs cramped up the instant I finished one of the longer swims last time! The fitter the better obviously, but there are plenty of people who just treat it as a bit of fun and you end up queueing in some spots anyway - chance to get your breath back!

How did you get on? I finish in just under 4 hours which I was slightly disapointed with as I hit the killing fields around by 1hr:30min target. I did have to pull my self round the second lap kicking and screaming though after my left knee went halfway through the first.

Great day out, don't think I could do the winter one though, yesterday was cold enough!

Was caught entirely unawares by the first set of ditches during the run - they were much smaller last time I did it so you could just jump them, but this time you had no choice but to go through! Never quite got back onto a good rhythm after that!

Also completely forgot to look at my time as I finished, but think it was somewhere around the 2:10 mark - can't wait to see the results when they're out!

My 2nd ToughGuy... i did the January one. Was much much colder but just as enjoyable! I started in the mob in Jan but got away within the first 500 this time. Had a good run and made up a lot of time, damaged my ankle about 1/2 way into lap 1 of the killing fields. Dont knwo what i did it on as it was done in shallow water and couldn't see it! Lost a fair bit of time trying to put pressure on it with the running and climbing obstacles. finished in about 2.03 in the end. Will be back fitter and faster for the next one!

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